A mother has delivered a heart-wrenching confrontation in court against her daughter’s murderer, expressing that she will “never forgive” him for taking away her vibrant child. In an emotionally charged session at the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday, Debbie McGuire faced Lachlan Young, 23, who sat in silence as she recounted the loss of her daughter Hannah McGuire, who was brutally killed on April 5, 2024.
“I hope every day for the rest of the accused’s life, he experiences the most intense pain imaginable,” Mrs. McGuire stated, locking her gaze on Young. “I will never forget and I will never forgive.” The emotional confrontation comes after Young, initially denying the charges, pleaded guilty to murder just days into his Supreme Court trial.
Young now admits he strangled Ms. McGuire in the bathroom of their home in Sebastopol around 2:30 AM. After the murder, he concealed her body in the footwell of her Mitsubishi Triton, drove it to a remote bushland area, and set the vehicle ablaze. He then used Ms. McGuire’s phone to send deceptive messages to her mother, suggesting that Hannah intended to take her own life. In a sinister twist, Young transferred $2,000 from Ms. McGuire’s bank account to her mother and $5,000 to himself.
When Debbie McGuire rushed to Young’s home, he feigned ignorance about her daughter’s whereabouts, displaying a shocking lack of remorse. Following his arrest on April 7, Young told officers he would “never f***ing harm that girl.” However, Crown Prosecutor Kristie Churchill revealed a pattern of abusive behavior leading up to the tragedy, stating that Hannah had taken out intervention orders against Young and was in the process of separating from him.
Debbie McGuire expressed the lifelong grief she will endure, emphasizing, “Unlike the accused, Hannah mattered. She was important and loved.” The devastating impact of Hannah’s death was echoed by her father, Glenn McGuire, who lamented his inability to protect his daughter, stating, “I was supposed to be there to guide her… Instead, I had to bury her.”
Ms. McGuire’s aunt, Michelle Smith, expressed her anguish in court, recalling how Young had previously celebrated holidays with their family. “I’m angry I treated him decently,” she said tearfully. “Because of him, I will never spend another Christmas with Hannah.”
Fifteen heart-wrenching statements were read to the court from family and friends, detailing the profound loss and emotional devastation caused by Hannah’s death. Young’s barrister, Glenn Casement, is expected to present his case before Justice James Elliott as the trial continues.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the urgent need for awareness and prevention. If you or someone you know is in danger, contact support services immediately at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 13 11 14.
